The Newark Interact Club ran our meeting last Thursday and they did an outstanding job!
Today’s meeting was conducted by the Newark Interact Club.
Words of Inspiration came from a quote by Dr. Seuss.
Guests
Danielle McGavisk of the Newark High School and Megan Kreuser, advisor for the Interact Club.
Wellness Report
Linda Werts had a hip replacement on Monday and she is doing well.
Hannelora and Helmuth have had COVID. He had angioplasty which had complications. Both are tired and not taking visitors right now.
Michele McManus said that Sharon Sanangelo is having surgery today on her wrist.
Announcements
Gary Reilly said that we have four teams for the Camp Onseyawa Golf Tournament. He also said sponsorships for the tournament are now being accepted.Norma Madayag-Reilly announced the Camp Onseyawa Pampered Chef fundraiser.
Jan Hence said the chicken barbecue tickets have been distributed and she asked for two volunteers for the afternoon shift. Norma and two Interact students volunteered.
Mitch Ruffalo talked about the Newark Family Festival which will take be run by the club on September 10th at the Firemen’s Field.
Gail Chambers reminded us about Newark Community Pride Day on Saturday, May 21st.
Kevin Mooney presented a check of $7,075 to JJ Cotter, for Habitat for Humanity, to support their work.
Queen of Hearts – Bruce Chambers did not pull the correct card. Better luck next time!Happy Moments
Dave Doebler shared that he bought a new RV and went to Massachusetts and an antique show.
Chrissie Kent was excited to announce that they have a new puppy that likes to bark all night long.
Jorge Bueso was happy to announce that his daughter graduated from college and will be working at Perkins School.
Scott Healy went to his niece’s wedding in Knoxville, KY. She played basketball in college and married a basketball player. Lots of tall people in the wedding party.
Bob Bendix said that he is now a part-time employee of Mitch and Mitch would be happy to pay his fine.
Holly Kreuser said that Ryan graduated from Nazareth with his master’s degree last week.
Adam O said too much was “floating” and paid a fine for everyone.
Youth Exchange
Newark High School’s Youth Exchange students were introduced. Devina is going to Italy and Lindsey will go to Switzerland. They will come back for another meeting to talk about their upcoming exchange.
Speaker
Interact began by discussing the Unified Sports program at Newark High School. The program participates at Newark High School and also with Special Olympics Unified Sports. Program participants meet New York State representatives.All Interact members introduced themselves. Megan then started the panel discussion on DEI. She asked where the school does well and fall short? The Unified Sports is a very good program. The district is trying to implement a restorative program which is equitable. What surprises are there? Listening is very important. The panel recommended to ask questions. It is important to accept differences. Use of pronouns? Pronouns are a literary term that is a personal preference. Use the ones that they are most comfortable. The students felt it could be talked about more. It also depends on a lot with the teachers. Some are more comfortable with it than others. Most students gave the district between 5 and 7 out of 10 with gender acceptance and identity. One student suggested that, in surveys from teachers, to ask about their pronoun or how they want to be called.
Questions from the audience:
Do students have someone to talk to about these issues at the school? There are resources, but not everyone is comfortable talking to adults.
What would help you from a relationship? Getting to know the student – what is going on at home. Also getting to know the teacher – have the teacher share their pronoun. Recognize that everyone is different.
Peer group? Must be careful to make sure that students and teachers feel comfortable. Also, they felt that students are becoming more shy.
Jean talked about Natural Helpers. She said it sounds like a growth from that.
Gail felt there are few opportunities for quite time between teachers and students. The panel mentioned that counselors are available to do that.
NO LUNCH MEETING MAY 26TH
NEXT MEETING: June 2, 2022
Greeter: Jonathan Taylor
Cashier: Steve Taylor
Words of Inspiration: Jean Bendix
Zoom Master: Marc Kreuser